Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 72/100 (GOOD)

2020 Toyota Sequoia Reliability Report

The 2020 Toyota Sequoia rates good for reliability and costs less to repair than its class. The main complaint is hesitation and stalling at speed.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

5.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$642

Annual Fuel Cost

$4,000–$4,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity73/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

The best-scoring of the five rated Sequoia years, with only four complaints and two recalls covering steering and the fuel system.

Top Issues to Watch

POWER TRAIN (2)
SUSPENSION (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 13)

2020 is year 13 of the Second generation (XK60).

Redesigned for the 2008 model year.
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
2nd generation Sequoia (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2008: Second generation (XK60) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2020: This Model Year

2020 is year 13 of the Second generation (XK60).

Should You Buy the 2020 Toyota Sequoia?

Reliability is good here. This Sequoia stands above the average 2020 SUV and is the strongest of the five scored Sequoia years. The 2019 and 2021 rate about the same, so neither neighbor offers a clear reliability gain. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs for the model at $642, against $784 for its class.

Owners filed just four complaints, and the two power train reports matter most. In one, the truck stops accelerating on the highway without warning, then runs normally again after a few minutes. It can also lose motive power and stall, forcing a stop on the shoulder. A dealer inspection found no fault. The other report describes a rollaway after the engine was shut off without shifting into park, and it involves an injury. Federal recall records show two recalls, covering steering and the gasoline fuel system.

Ask the seller for proof that both recalls were completed. Ask about any hesitation or stalling too. The 2021 has the same number of complaints and recalls, so it is a fair alternative. The 2019 has six recalls.

Compared to the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, which scored the same. See also the 2019 Toyota Sequoia for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+$142 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize SUVs
+Low major repair risk (15%)
+Low recall count

Cons

−POWER TRAIN: Hesitation and stalling at speed are the more serious concern (2 complaints)

Compare 2020 Toyota Sequoia With

2020 GMC Yukon

Reliability: 71/100

Good

2020 Nissan Armada

Reliability: 72/100

Good

2020 Ford Expedition

Reliability: 52/100

Mixed

2020 Chevrolet Tahoe

Reliability: 74/100

Good

2020 Cadillac Escalade

Reliability: 66/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

MODERATE

POWER TRAIN (2)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2020 Toyota Sequoia carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

5.4

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 20.2

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2020 Toyota Sequoia Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Toyota Sequoia. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21E1030002021-12-23

STEERING

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.

Consequence

An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TH01.

20V6820002020-11-04

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Toyota Sequoia? Check its history first

Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Toyota Sequoia, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2020 Toyota Sequoia NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 18.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Toyota SequoiaRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$642

vs $784 avg for fullsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.4

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

15%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Sequoia

$642

Category Avg

$784

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

14–15 MPG

Running cost: $4,650–$4,950/yr

Fuel + repair

13 city / 17 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Sequoia 2WD 5.7L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	13	17	15	$4,000
Sequoia 4WD 5.7L 8-cyl	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	13	17	14	$4,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Toyota Sequoia.

Accelerate firmly up to highway speed and feel for hesitation or a sudden loss of power.
Take a long test drive at mixed speeds and watch for stalling or warning lights.
Ask for service records that show dealer visits for hesitation, stalling, or loss of power complaints.
Park on a slope, shift into park, shut off the engine, and confirm the truck holds without rolling.

2020 Toyota Sequoia Common Problems by Component

4 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

POWER TRAIN (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)SUSPENSION (1)

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Hesitation and stalling at speed are the more serious concern. The truck fails to accelerate without warning on the highway, then runs normally again after a few minutes. It can also lose motive power and stall outright, forcing a stop on the shoulder. A dealer inspection found no fault. The other complaint is a rollaway after the engine was shut off without shifting into park. That complaint reports 1 injury. With only 2 complaints on file, no broad failure pattern is visible.

2 complaints total1 injury

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2025-07-05

MOON ROOF EXPLODED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON SAM HOUSTON TOLL WAY. THERE WERE NO SIGNS OR ANY INDICATION OF FAULTY ROOF.

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

2024-06-01

Front strut is failing, but dealer cannot replace strut due to lack of inventory and they say a failure in the strut is only if it is leaking. Strut makes grinding/rumbling noise.

Best & Worst Toyota Sequoia Years

Best Toyota Sequoia Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

2022

2Recalls

1Complaints

Good

2021

2Recalls

4Complaints

Good

2020

(Current Model)

2Recalls

4Complaints

Toyota Sequoia Years to Avoid

No Toyota Sequoia years are statistical outliers in our data.

Scores stay between 69 and 72 across 5 scored model years.

See full Toyota Sequoia years-to-avoid analysis

Toyota Sequoia Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Toyota Sequoia reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	69/100	Good
2019	70/100	Good
2020	72/100	Good
2021	72/100	Good
2022	72/100	Good

Toyota Sequoia Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2022	72/100	0	Good	2	1
2021	72/100	0	Good	2	4
2020(selected)	72/100	+2	Good	2	4
2019	70/100	+1	Good	6	7
2018	69/100	—	Good	5	20

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Toyota Sequoia reliable?

Yes, it has good reliability and sits above the average 2020 SUV. It is also the best of the five scored Sequoia years. Owners filed four complaints, which works out to 5.4 per 10,000 sold. Independent repair-cost data also shows lower yearly repair costs than the class average.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Toyota Sequoia?

Power train complaints are the only pattern, and there are just two. One describes hesitation or stalling at speed, with the truck recovering after a few minutes. The other describes a rollaway after the engine was shut off without shifting into park. With so few complaints, no broad failure pattern shows up.

Does the 2020 Toyota Sequoia stall?

One owner reported it. The truck failed to accelerate on the highway without warning, then ran normally again after a few minutes. It can also lose motive power and stall, forcing a stop on the shoulder. A dealer inspection found no fault, so the cause is not known from the data.

Does the 2020 Toyota Sequoia have any recalls?

Federal recall records list two recalls for this model year. They cover steering and the gasoline fuel system. Ask the seller for documentation that both repairs were done, or have a Toyota dealer check the VIN for open recalls before you buy.

Is the 2020 Sequoia more reliable than the 2019 or 2021?

Not by a clear margin. All three years have good reliability and rate about the same. The 2019 has seven complaints and six recalls. The 2021 has four complaints and two recalls, matching the 2020, so it is a fair alternative.

Don’t buy a 2020 Toyota Sequoia without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2020 Toyota Sequoia

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Toyota Sequoia does best on recall impact (80/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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